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Boxelder Bug Blitz! Why These Autumn Invaders Swarm & Your Newark, DE Defense Plan!


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Welcome back, Loyalty listeners! I’m Ceyron Cran, and as we head deeper into the later summer and early fall here in Newark, DE, there’s a particular pest that starts to make itself very noticeable: the boxelder bug. These distinct black-and-red insects might seem harmless, but when they decide your home is their winter vacation spot, they can swarm by the hundreds! Today, we’re revealing why they’re on the move now and how Loyalty Termite and Pest Control can help you stop them in their tracks.

What makes Loyalty Termite and Pest Control your go-to for pests like boxelder bugs? It’s our proactive, seasonal expertise and robust exclusion methods. We understand the seasonal patterns of “overwintering pests” like boxelder bugs and strategically apply preventative measures before they become a full-blown infestation. Our detailed inspections identify even the smallest entry points, and our comprehensive sealing techniques ensure these pests stay outside, where they belong. We’re dedicated to fortifying your home against seasonal invaders.

Boxelder bugs are drawn to sunny surfaces, particularly the south and west-facing sides of your home, where they bask in the warmth. As temperatures start to drop, even slightly, they begin to seek protected overwintering sites. Your home, with its warm wall voids and attic spaces, looks like the perfect cozy retreat. While they don’t bite or cause structural damage, their sheer numbers can be overwhelming, and they can stain surfaces with their droppings.

Steps to Stop the Boxelder Bug Swarm:

  1. Seal All Entry Points: This is the most crucial step for overwintering pests.
    • Caulk cracks and crevices: Inspect your foundation, siding, around windows, and door frames for any openings, no matter how small.
    • Repair or replace damaged screens: Check windows, doors, and especially attic and foundation vents.
    • Install door sweeps and weatherstripping: Ensure they create a tight seal at the bottom of doors.
    • Seal utility line openings: Gaps around pipes, wires, and cable lines entering your home are common entry points.
    • Remove Boxelder Trees (if possible and practical): If you have female boxelder trees on your property, these are their primary food source and breeding ground. Removing them can reduce populations significantly, though this is a long-term solution.
    • Clean Up Outdoor Debris: Remove leaf litter, woodpiles, and other debris close to your foundation, which can serve as harborage.
    • Vacuum Indoors: Once they’ve entered, vacuuming is the best way to remove them without crushing them (which can create an odor). Dispose of the vacuum bag immediately outdoors.
    • Expert Tip You Might Not Know:

      Here’s an expert tip about boxelder bugs: They are incredibly attracted to light-colored surfaces. Your light-colored siding, especially on the sunny side of your house, acts like a giant beacon for them. If you’re building or repainting, opting for darker exterior colors in areas prone to boxelder bug activity can actually reduce the number of bugs congregating on your home. For existing homes, simply being aware of this attraction helps explain why they cluster in certain spots.

      When hundreds of boxelder bugs are swarming your home, it can be an overwhelming sight. While DIY methods can help, a professional approach offers a more comprehensive and lasting solution. Loyalty Termite and Pest Control provides targeted perimeter treatments and expert exclusion services that create a protective barrier around your home, preventing these autumn invaders from taking over.

      Thanks for tuning in! Stay diligent and keep those bugs out! And for ultimate protection against seasonal pests, call us for a FREE 58-point inspection! That’s 302-386-3999 or visit us online at loyaltypest.com.

      The post Boxelder Bug Blitz! Why These Autumn Invaders Swarm & Your Newark, DE Defense Plan! appeared first on Loyalty Termite and Pest Control Wilmington Deleware.

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